spd

SHREVEPORT, La. — A Shreveport police officer remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition after accidentally discharging his service weapon while off duty Sunday morning, according to the Shreveport Police Department.

SPD spokesman Cpl. Chris Bordelon said the officer had just returned home on Blom Boulevard after completing his shift and was unloading equipment from his vehicle when the incident occurred.

According to Bordelon, the officer was removing his patrol rifle from between the seats of his vehicle when the trigger reportedly became caught on an object, causing the weapon to discharge. The bullet struck the officer in the lower leg.

The officer suffered significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities said he is listed in serious condition but is stable and expected to recover.

Bordelon said the situation could have been far worse and credited fellow officers with responding quickly to the emergency.

"Accidents do happen. Unfortunately, in this case, this resulted in something catastrophic. It could have been much worse," Bordelon said. "Luckily, we had three officers (nearby) and he was able to get to his radio very quickly and call them because there was a lot of blood loss."

According to Bordelon, responding officers applied a tourniquet to help control the bleeding until additional medical assistance arrived.

"So we're very lucky," Bordelon said. "This could have been a much greater tragedy."

The officer's name has not been released.

No other injuries were reported. The incident remains under review.